Paul Bettany Is 'Masters of Sex' in Showtime's Pilot

The Silas of 'The Da Vinci Code' is tapped to portray William Masters, one of human sexuality pioneers, in the upcoming project which marks his first foray into American television.

Paul Bettany is set to make his debut in American television with "Masters of Sex". The 40-year-old British actor has landed a role as sex education researcher William Masters in the Showtime pilot.

Adapted from Thomas Maier's book, the drama show chronicles the lives, romance and pop culture trajectory of 1960s human sexuality pioneers Masters and Virginia Johnson. Michelle Ashford writes the script, while John Madden is on board as the director.

Both Ashford and Madden will additionally serve as executive producers along with Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Judith Verno.